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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY REI
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I bought this pair of Darn Tough Light Hiker No Show Lightweight Hiking Socks after seeing the brand mentioned repeatedly as a "buy it for life" product. So far, no holes. But now I know that if they do wear out, I can get a replacement. Buy them now at REI.
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So you want to buy a backpack … or a vacuum cleaner … or a pair of sneakers. Figuring out which of the countless options to pick from is exhausting. There are so many factors to consider, so many opinions, so many reviews.
One source I've found reliable is the Buy It For Life subreddit, an online community of more than 2 million members with a commitment to finding products that are made to last. One invaluable thing I've learned there is the power of a good warranty. I wish I had known earlier that there are companies that'll replace a pair of socks—years after you've bought them—no questions asked, and no receipt required.
A few things to keep in mind:
—Most companies do, in fact, require proof of purchase. And most warranties only extend to the original owner.
— A "lifetime" warranty doesn't mean your lifetime. While it could mean the length of time you own the product, it could also mean the suggested life of the product or the period of time it's on the market, for example. So a warranty for a set number of years can be just as good, if not better.
—In some cases, the warranty may only apply to products bought from "authorized" dealers, which you can often find listed on the company's website or by calling customer service.
—And, finally, warranties are usually specific to where you live. The ones listed below mostly apply to the U.S.
—Janey Adams, director of digital engagement
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